What is the primary goal of a systems review in a physical therapy assessment?

The primary goal of a systems review in a physical therapy assessment is to assess overall health and function. This process allows the clinician to gather comprehensive information about various body systems, including musculoskeletal, neuromuscular, cardiovascular, and integumentary systems, among others. By looking at these systems, the therapist can identify any areas that may be affected by the patient's primary concerns and understand how these issues may impact their overall health and functionality.

This overarching assessment is crucial because it ensures that the therapist does not overlook important health factors that could influence treatment decisions and outcomes. The systems review helps in identifying comorbidities, screening for conditions that may require medical referral, and getting a full picture of the patient's physical capabilities, which is essential for effective treatment planning.

Focusing solely on specific conditions or trying to diagnose a specific injury narrows the assessment and might miss relevant information about the patient's overall health. Creating a treatment plan is typically a step that follows the systems review and assessment, as it relies on the comprehensive data collected during the review to address the patient's needs effectively.